Bayern Munich has trouble against English clubs

By -
Associated Press -
Tuesday, April 8, 2014

MUNICH (AP) - Champions League title holder Bayern Munich has not won a match since lifting the Bundesliga title with seven games to spare. That run includes the 1-1 draw at Manchester United in the first quarterfinal leg and Bayern’s first Bundesliga defeat this season, a 1-0 loss at Augsburg.

Bayern is seeking its third consecutive semifinal appearance, while United has not been in the last four since 2011.

Here are five things to know about Wednesday’s match:

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INJURED AND SUSPENDED

Wayne Rooney may need an injection on his badly bruised toe as he looks to return to United’s team after missing Saturday’s 4-0 win at Newcastle in the Premier League.

“We’ll do everything we possibly can (to get him on the pitch),” United manager David Moyes said Tuesday. “He’s happy to take an injection to play which I think shows you his feeling about the game and the club.”

Rooney took part in full training on Tuesday and United will be desperate to have him back as fellow striker Robin van Persie is also sidelined with a knee injury. Left back Patrice Evra is pushing for a recall having been absent for the first leg through suspension.

Bayern will be without the suspended Bastian Schweinsteiger after the midfielder got a late red card in the first match and midfielder Javi Martinez is also banned because of three bookings.

Also unavailable for the German side are injured midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri but defender Dante is in contention after suspension.

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MISSING FANS

Bayern will be without the support of 700 fans, meaning that the stadium will have a capacity of 67,300.

UEFA ordered one of the sections in the ground to be closed after Bayern fans displayed anti-gay and political banners at the home match against Arsenal in the previous round.